Ustwo Games CEO Maria Sayans recently stirred conversation with her candid remarks about the industry's employment practices during an interview at London Games Fest. She stated, "We've been a little bit too romantic about the idea that we should have employees and give people long-term job security," reflecting on the unsustainable state of Ustwo Games and the broader industry. This perspective resonates deeply with many in the gaming community, highlighting the ongoing struggle for job security amid rising development costs.

The studio, known for the acclaimed **Monument Valley 3**, currently employs just under 30 people, with a peak development team of around 40 for this title. Ustwo has faced significant financial challenges, producing games with budgets ranging from £7 million to £10 million. Sayans emphasized that to remain viable, the studio needs to adjust its strategy, particularly after the disappointing performance of **Monument Valley 3** on mobile platforms, which no longer provide a solid foundation for long-term growth.

About Monument Valley 3

**Monument Valley 3** is developed by Ustwo Games and is available on PC. The studio aims to create engaging singleplayer experiences, looking to expand the potential of the Monument Valley IP for PC and consoles.

Future Employment Strategies

Sayans expressed frustration with the industry's reliance on contractors, stating, "I think going forward, we'll see that we've got a core team and any growth will come through contractors, which is something I hate about the industry"

We'll see that we've got a core team and any growth will come through contractors, which is something I hate about the industry.

Maria Sayans, CEO of Ustwo Games
. This shift signals a move away from long-term employment towards a more flexible workforce, which she acknowledges may not be popular but is deemed necessary for sustainability.